Sally Lea McCluskey

My first memory of Sally was as my writing instructor in freshman composition at Wayne State College in the fall of 1965. She was intelligent, intense, engaging, and interesting. She led wonderful, thoughtful, lively class discussions related to readings. She taught us how to write functionally for various purposes-description, definition, comparison & contrast, introduction, summary, chronology, etc. She introduced us to argument and the use of rhetorical devices. We were exposed to a wide variety of authors with varying styles. We were given structures and styles and encouraged to integrate them into our writing. We had multiple opportunities to write on the spot five or seven paragraphs essays. She provided wonderful useful feedback in the form of comments on our papers. She also interacted with us individually and directly in class an outside of class, What she gave me has been invaluable to me throughout my educational and professional life. She was a warm and beautiful person with a wonderful mind. I am so grateful for the time I was in her presence.

Sally was a fellow graduate student of mine at Northern Illinois University and one of the best people I have ever known. She was a wonderful classroom teacher and a great colleague who was always willing to help anyone who needed a hand. I just learned of her death today, in October, but wanted to add a few words of sympathy.

Sally was my one and only cousin. Our Mothers were sisters. I haven't seen Sally since Peter was an infant, in Indiana. I was from Memphis, but currently live in NJ. Prayers of comfort and peace go out to her family and friends. Rest peacefully, cousin.